It's Fall - Time to Prepare For The Winter Months

Fall is such a beautiful time of the year.     Red, orange, and yellow leaves falling from the trees and blowing across my yard waiting to be raked up and jumped upon, crispy apples, and fresh crisp air fill my mind as I enjoy this time of year.   

Fall also reminds me that winter is not far around the corner and with it comes colder temperatures, snow and ice, and unfortunately, colds and flus.    Fall is a perfect time to the year to start getting yourself in great shape for the winter months.    Here's a few ideas from Balanced Care to help you get started today:

 

 

Flu Shots - Check with your doctor or local pharmacy to find out when the flu shot will be available in your area.    

Exercise in important all year round, however, it becomes harder to do so during the winter months especially if you love to walk outdoors.    Fall is the perfect time to check out your local malls as a place to walk when you can't walk outside.

Add as many fruits and vegetables to your diet as possible.     We should all be eating fruits and vegetables at every meal.    A good rule of thumb is to make sure that half your plate is filled with fruits and vegetables.    Also, think of the colors of the rainbow with regards to fruits and vegetables.    The more colors you use, the healthier you are eating and the healthier you will be.  

 

Fall is also a perfect time to have your heating system checked out.     A service man will check for leaks and clean out any mold or dust that can leave you feeling sickly.     It's also a good time of the year to check your smoke and carbon dioxide batteries.      Many people will do this when we "Fall Back" to standard time on November 4th at 2:00 AM.     

 

Drink more water.     Chances are you will be turning your heating systems on very soon.    We are more prone to dehydration during the cooler months and the dry heat robs both our body and skin of vital moisture.     Water also helps to keep our mucous membranes hydrated so they can fight against disease causing organisms.   

 

 

To make sure your body can fight off illnesses, it's important to get plenty of rest.     Create a consistent routine for going to bed so your body learns to anticipate sleep.    You may want to create a habit of doing something that relaxes you before bedtime such as a hot shower, warm bath, cup of herbal tea, or a good book.     

Balanced Care does provide health insurance to businesses, individuals, and our senior market.     Although this is important, it's just as important to us that you are taking the necessary steps to stay healthy all year round.